Guide to Common Gulf of Mexico Fish Species
The vast expanse that is the Gulf of Mexico holds a large diversity of fish due to its many different ecosystems and habitats. There is offshore fishing in the depths where you can find tuna, marlin, and swordfish. However, inshore fishing is where you can catch more common fish from reefs, jetties, and marshes. Let’s dive in and discover Gulf of Mexico fish species that are fun to catch, and that our taste buds will enjoy, too.
What Types of Fish Are in the Gulf of Mexico?
Fishing in these waters can be fun and exhilarating. You can catch inshore or offshore fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Here are some of the Gulf of Mexico fish species you may encounter on your fishing expedition.
Inshore Species
Inshore fishing in bays or estuaries brings a unique experience to any individual, even seasoned anglers. The following fish are just a few examples of common fish in the Gulf of Mexico.
Redfish or Red Drum
Redfish or Red Drum are popular in the Gulf of Mexico, and you can catch them year-round. They are known for their challenging fighting nature. According to Texas regulations, the minimum length must be 20 inches, and the maximum length must be 28 inches. The bag limit for Red Drum is three per day.
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout are delicate fish that should be handled with finesse and patience. They are abundant in bays and estuaries. Texas regulations state that the minimum length for Speckled Trout is 15 inches, and the maximum is 20 inches. The bag limit for Speckled Trout is three per day.
Red Snapper
Red Snapper is perhaps one of the most sought-after types of fish in the Gulf of Mexico. You can usually find these fish near reefs or other structures, and they can weigh up to 30 pounds. You can catch Red Snapper year-round in state waters, and any you catch must be a minimum of 15 inches in length. The bag limit for Red Snapper is four per person per day.
Flounder
Flounder is another common fish in the Gulf of Mexico. They like to dwell at the bottom of the Gulf and bays near the shoreline. The meat is delicious. When you catch flounder, they must be a minimum of 15 inches in length, and there is no maximum length limit. The bag limit for Flounder is five per day, except between November 1 and December 14, when the fishery is closed.
Offshore Species
Offshore or deep-sea fishing is a different adventure in and of itself. Here, you will find many Gulf of Mexico fish species that like to put up a good fight. Let’s look at a few examples now, and do not forget your fishing gloves!
Tuna
You may encounter several types of tuna in the Gulf of Mexico, including Yellowfin, Albacore, Bigeye, Skipjack, Bluefin, and more. Bag limits and size requirements are different for all species of tuna. Tuna season is generally year-round except for Bluefin tuna. But if the quota is met, they will close the Bluefin tuna season.
Albacore and Skipjack tuna do not have a minimum length requirement or bag limit. Bigeye and Yellowfin tuna must be a minimum of 27 inches in length. There is no bag limit for Bigeye tuna. However, Yellowfin tuna has a bag limit of three per person daily.
Wahoo
Wahoo is a fast and agile game fish. Its body shape resembles a torpedo, offering a quick and furious fishing experience. You can only catch this fish with a hook and line. There is no bag limit or minimum size for Wahoo.
Mahi-Mahi
A favorite among sports fishermen, the Mahi-mahi or Dolphin Fish has bright, vivid colors and a fun fight. You can catch Mahi-mahi year-round in Texas, but the best time of year for catching these fish is May through September. There are no bag limits or minimum length for Mahi-mahi in Texas.
Sailfish
The fastest fish in the ocean, the Sailfish, is known for its dorsal fin, which looks like a sail. They are speedy and agile. If you land one of these Gulf of Mexico fish species, you are in for one high-energy, exhilarating adventure. The Sailfish must be a minimum length of 84 inches. There is no maximum length or bag limit for Sailfish in Texas.
What Is the Tastiest Fish in the Gulf of Mexico?
With so many Gulf of Mexico fish species, how do you really know which fish are the tastiest? By listening to seafood experts, that’s how. Let’s look at some of the most delicious fish you can land in the Gulf of Mexico.
Red Snapper
Red Snapper offers lean, moist meat with a mild, distinct flavor. Even large ones taste great. This is why Red Snapper is highly regulated and has strict bag limits. Cooking this fish on the grill or a quick pan fry with no seasoning or just salt and pepper makes it taste great. Over-seasoning this fish will cover up its natural flavor, making it less delicious.
Yellowfin Tuna
The Yellowfin tuna has a mild, meaty flavor. Its meat is leaner than that of Bluefin tuna and has more flavor than Albacore. A dark lateral line runs through the Yellowfin tuna’s meat, which you can remove for a milder flavor profile. In addition, you can marinate the tuna steaks in your favorite white wine and brown sugar to make them even more flavorful.
Red Grouper
Red Grouper has white, mild, firm meat with large flakes. The meat is moist and lean with a mild, distinct flavor. Along with being a top tasty Gulf of Mexico fish species, the Red Grouper has lots of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B6 and 12, potassium, protein, and more. Three ounces of this fish raw gives you 100 calories and 20 mg of protein.
Discover Gulf of Mexico Fish Species with Boat Stop Marina
When it comes to types of fish in the Gulf of Mexico, species are abundant, and you can fish inshore or offshore, depending on what you want to do for the day. Ensure you have your Texas fishing license and review the regulations for the types of fish you want to catch so you do not violate any laws. If you have questions or want to learn more about Gulf of Mexico fish species, contact us at Boat Stop Marina.